Friday, November 18, 2011

"You know, I'm not sure, but I know one thing is I am extremely blessed. God has blessed me with so many people that support me, a great family that supports me, great teammates and a coaching staff and that's what I'm focused on." Tim Tebow's answer to interview question about why he "provokes" so much criticism.

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I've written quite a bit about whining pastors the last year. Thom Rainer whined about the tragedy of pastors being criticized and how critics need to be shut down. One of the more popular Watchdog posts this past year was Steven Furtick's embarrassing rap video he made blasting his critics. Perry Noble calls his critics "jack asses" - from the pulpit!

Mac Brunson is so fed up with criticism that he swung for the fences last week and wagged his finger in the face of his church members to tell them he is God's man, he doesn't answer to them and they can't fire him, and no one it as rough as he has it. Despite living an incredibly blessed and privileged life as the pastor of FBC Jax, he portrays himself as the "Job of Jacksonville", a modern-day martyr. He even thought it helpful to admit to his church members he didn't really want to come to our city and be pastor of FBC Jax in the first place but God made him come - actually said God "drove him" to Jax (in a pickup truck I'm sure).

There aren't many Christians who have had to endure public criticism like Tim Tebow has. Sure, he has many supporters who love him, but within his chosen profession he has many detractors. Sports writers have criticized him for being so public about his faith, unfairly criticizing him because he prays while he plays, and always mentions Jesus Christ when he gives his post-game conferences.

The criticism has been unrelenting. Criticizing anything and everything. Writers and fans have criticized him personally, his motives in being open about his faith, his stance on abortion, even criticizing he and his mother for a pro-life commercial aired during the Super Bowl. They even criticize how he does his job, his throwing motion, people doubting he even has the basic skills required to be an NFL quarterback. One has even criticized him for being a member of FBC Jax. You name it - about his profession, his abilities, his family, and his faith - he has been criticized non-stop.

How does he handle it? Does he complain about his complainers? Does he criticize his criticizers? Does he try to shame the reporters who ask asinine questions?

Does Tim Tebow tell people about how great he is, or how important his "calling" is and how people should respect him? Does he call on other people to stop the criticizers? Is he worried one bit about the criticism?

No way. Never, not one time has Tebow retaliated or complained or criticized his criticizers. He just does his job and he lives out his faith. He has always done it his whole life, and he continues to do it now on a national stage and it just amazes reporters because they've never seen anything like it. A Christian acting like...well, a Christian.

Perfect example of this was last night after he led his team from behind to beat the New York Jets on a last-second 20-yard touchdown run on national TV. He came out to speak to the NFL Network sportscasters after the game. One of the talking heads, Deion Sanders, asked Tebow this question (click here):

"Of course these fans in Denver, they love you. But nationally, I've never seen a guy that provokes so much talk, good or bad. What do you feel attributes to that?"

Tebow probably should have asked him "attributes to that"? What does that mean? Instead, Tebow answered:

"You know, I'm not sure, but I know one thing is I am extremely blessed. God has blessed me with so many people that support me, a great family that supports me, great teammates and a coaching staff and that's what I'm focused on."

Then Sanders follows up with this doozy, still saying that Tim "provokes" the criticism:

"Do you feel like it is your throwing motion, is it your faith, what is it that provokes anger or hatred or disdain from some journalists and publicists?"

Tebow simply smiled and answered:

"You know, I'm not sure, something I learned early in college was to not worry about what I can't control, and that is something I can't control. But what I can control is my attitude, my effort, my focus, every single day, and that is what I'm trying to worry about."

Wow. Words of wisdom from a young man that seminary-trained pastors need to learn from. Tebow could have used that question to blast critics, or claim he is attacked for his faith. He could have told Deion Sanders what an absolutely stupid question that is, that he doesn't "provoke" anyone. He could talk about how hurtful it is to his family to have to see him be criticized, and talk about how it makes his job no fun at all.

Tim just fields the questions with a smile, is a nice, polite person, and respectfully answers all questions, even the very stupid ones. Like maybe a Christian would do.

This is what true leaders are made of. Leaders who inspire others to greatness don't pay attention to the critics, they don't portray themselves as victims or martyrs. They just stay focused on the task at hand, they praise their fellow workers, and are grateful for being granted the opportunity to lead. They don't behave as though they have a God-given right to be the leader. They respect everyone, even the critic, and they focus on the positive.

Tim's leadership has caused his team to rally around him. He was named the starter when his team lost 4 of their first 5 games with Kyle Orton as quarterback, and now the team has rallied around their new leader by keeping the games close and allowing Tebow to win them in the end.

Tebow is 4-1 as a starter. Kyle Orton was 1-4 as a starter.

Kyle Orton was the one who was supposed to lead the Broncos this year. He was the one with the training, experience, and credentials. He was the chosen one.

But the real leader has emerged, the one who can inspire his teammates. Now Tebow is the leader of the Broncos and he is grateful for the opportunity, and doesn't take it for granted, and you can bet it won't get to his head. He does nothing but publicly praise his teammates and coaching staff for their hard work.

So pastors, learn from young Tim Tebow. He's a leader. Some of you are crybaby tyrants, demanding respect and love from those you want to lead, and complaining about those who don't succumb to your leadership. You may be in charge, but you won't be a leader who inspires.

God bless Tim Tebow. Pray for this fine young man. The world would love to see him fall and the enemy would love to make that happen. Tebow is not perfect but he is setting an amazing example. God speed!

Isn't it sad that in order to lift someone up we feel it's necessary to tear others down in the process? Rationalize all you want but remember what Jesus said: Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven (Luke 6:37).

I watched that interview last night in amazement....and I watched the interviewers become amazed also. God is using Tim in a mighty way and he is stepping up in a big way. We, as Christians of any age, can learn from Tim. I was thinking about it this morning and remembered the scripture in Matthew where Christ said if you confess Me before men, I will confess you before the Father in Heaven. Tim is confessing while most pastors (and "lay"Christians) are not. Watchdog, you are RIGHT. BTW...some comments I've seen on here recently defending the defenseless have been sickening. The American church is on it's deathbed (not the Church of Jesus Christ, mind you) and it's going down with a wimper from man-worshipping, ignorant, worldly people who love the programs and buildings but not the ONE who's name it is done in. God help us! -a former FBC member

"What enemy?Tim's former team mates, the media, or any other group aligned against Tim? Or's u talking bout those Demons?? Go for it Donna"

Eph 6:12 reads "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

WD-I have read with interest these last two posts. As a pastor, I will say it is, at time, hard and difficult work. But so is being a school teacher, being a banker, a store clerk, and a professional athlete- you name it. But I have to say that I love being a pastor able to minister to people and be there for them in their time of need. And that has the ability to energize me in those hard and difficult times. I love it too much to complain! Kyle

There's a huge difference between Tebow and the average pastor. I'm a small town pastor, and I serve in the face of regular criticism. Here's the difference...

Tebow's critics do their criticizing from a distance. They have no relationship with him, and they have no ability to take his job away or make his family suffer by firing him.

My critics are involved in my life personally, and they hold my salary/job in their hands (as evidenced by the fact that the 3 pastors before me were fired or forced resignation).

I'm no Brunson, and I'm no Tebow. I serve God in an out of the way place for little money, and I face criticism for doing it.

You wrote, "This is what true leaders are made of. Leaders who inspire others to greatness don't pay attention to the critics, they don't portray themselves as victims or martyrs." Right, I'll pay no attention to the critics as they fire me or force me to resign. Me and Tebow...we're just the same.

Your praise of a sports hero and condemnation of a pastor are both utterly foolish. Both stand equally guilty in God's eyes. Both stand equally pardoned in Christ. Are we so bold as to usurp God's judgment?

You, sir, need to take the advice you are giving in this post. You, sir, are an unregenerate sinner. The Spirit of God does not reside in you. I think of Whitefield's "Method of Grace" when I read some of your posts. Please, I plead with you, repent of your sin and receive the grace, mercy and forgiveness of God!

Bob Jones III,"And then there are the efforts of angry and bitter people who would not endure sound doctrine, who instead of turning the conviction of the Holy Spirit upon themselves when the word of God is preached they turn it outward upon the messenger. They go on their blogs and Facebooks and they start defaming and ridiculing and even some times slandering their pastors, accusing them of all kinds of unjust things. And in the process of that it weighs heavily on you.

You know in all of that there is only one thing to do about any of that is it ignore it and not to read it, you can’t do anything about it.

It’s one of the curses of technology–there are some good parts of it but there are some curses too, and that is one of them, you just don’t pay any attention to them you go about your business, you know you are doing right in the eyes of God and that’s all that matters anyhow there is only one person that we have to please and answer "

You are right. Tim Tebow is a fine example of how to handle unfair criticism with wisdom and maturity. Would you admire Tim just as highly had he chosen instead to go after his critics via an anonymous blog?

Hmmm, Tim's critics have falsely accused him of bogus crimes? broken the law to find his identity? treated his wife rudely? banned him from the football field?You get the point... ridiculous comparison.

Interesting view of Tebow by "the world." (Offensive language alert.) I don't agree with much of it, and the writer could have made his points without reverting to profanity, but this part rings true.

Whenever Tim Tebow takes a knee on the field and thanks God, he is engaging in a very conscious act of moral grandstanding. I write that with no judgment whatsoever. Tebow is saying, "Look at me," just as surely as Deion Sanders doing the pigeon wing in the end zone was saying, "Look at me." He is saying, "Look at me and gaze upon my prayerfulness," and he is saying that because he is an evangelical Christian, and evangelical Christianity is a religion built on conspicuous faith. He is bearing witness, right there on the hashmarks. He is spiking the Gospel.

Just as surely as people plaster "Jesus fish" and "religious" bumpter stickers on their cars, women who dress like something from Little House on the Prairie in the 21st century, and people who make a loud show out of praying before a meal in a restaurant, Tebow is saying, whether intentionally or not, as the author puts it, "Look at my prayerfulness."

It's like all the publicity surrounding "Bellevue Lo♥es Memphis" (now expanded to include other churches as "Jesus Lo♥es Memphis") and "Hands Around Jacksonville (and Watchdog's Neck). They can't seem to just quietly go about helping people. They have to have special t-shirts made, rent billboards, produce videos, and pose for photo ops. For example, Steve Gaines posed while picking up beer cans in the 'hood. It's like the Love Offering at Bellevue every year when they make everyone, even visitors, walk down front and file by the big collection boxes and drop in an envelope, even if it's empty. They say they want everyone to walk in line so no one will have to step over others getting to get to the aisle. It's to "facilitate traffic flow." I think it's to facilitate traffic show, and it's always made me uncomfortable. I always stayed home those Sundays because it was, frankly, embarrassing to see visitors forced to participate in the "show."

I'm all for living your daily life as a witness, being modest, giving cheerfully, and being thankful, but I believe you can do so without going out of your way to attract attention. People will notice without all the PDCs ("public displays of Christianity" ®).

Tebow is by all accounts the real deal and I in no way am trying to cast doubt on that, but because he is his life will reflect it without him having to paint "John 3:16" under his eyes and "spike the Gospel."

Oh, and IMO the appropriate answer from Tebow to the "are you a virgin?" question (see Miss Manners for tips) would have been a raised eyebrow of shock and, "I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions of such a personal nature. Why would you want to know that? Do you intend to sacrifice me over a volcano if I said 'yes'?"

I don't agree that Tim Tebow is saying look at me when he prays. I think he is saying with all his prayers, pointing to the sky, and verses under his eyeballs LOOK At GOD. thats my theory, and I think he's being blessed currently because of it. He tweets BIBLE verses. I think he's trying to point people to God and not himself. And I bet its kind of difficult to have everyone look at you like you are Jesus's son all the time. Cindy T. I'm not allowed to use my last name.....watchdog honestly its a good thing you aren't criticizing tebow...i wouldn't believe it if you did.

I never said or even implied that Tebow's not sincere. As I said, I believe he's the real deal. My point, which apparently I didn't make clear, is that "the world" has seen a lot of people who profess to be Christians who do and say all the "Christian" things and then live lives that aren't at all Christlike. It's the disingenuous people who give all Christians a bad name.

As for kneeling and praying on the field, I think God can hear him just fine without the display. I don't know. Regardless of the intent, I guess it still strikes me as showboating no matter how sincere the person or his motivation. I think there's a fine line between not being ashamed of the Gospel and doing things for show and that it's important to consider how it comes across to others. That's JMO.

As you said, Tebow seems to just do what he feels led to do and doesn't whine about how persecuted he is when he's criticized. And he laughs all the way to the bank while ignoring his critics. Hey, maybe Mac would stop complaining if y'all would give him a big raise!

As I'm sitting here writing this Mac Brunson is on TV at 8:00. Mac is preaching from Job and Mac just said if someone says something bad about you don't talk bad about that person in church or talk about it on the internet, but go to that person and talk to the person that has been talking about you. I think for the first time in First Baptist we have a preacher who stands in the pulpit and tells the people what "THEY" need to do, but not what "MAC" should have done. It's no wonder people are leaving the church. We have a hypocrite in the pulpit who has the "DO as I say, not as I do" mentality. What did we as members of First Baptist do to deserve this kind of preacher who constantly scolds us for doing what he does. If only Mac would be like our previous Pastors and live the life he(Mac) preaches from the pulpit.

Hmmm, "He was oppressed and afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before it's shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth."(Isaiah 53:7).....Just another ridiculous comparison. You get the point.

I doubt I'd be employed very long if, whenever my boss said something critical about my work (whether he was right or not), my response was to loudly and publicly complain about his criticisms and about how hard my job is, and to tell him he had no right to criticize me.

Wow. The guy who sincerely believed he'd go to hell for wearing "666." His thinking is pretty far out there and uncommon (I'm assuming,) but we all know where he got this absurd fear-from the Bible, of course, but probably pounded into his head by a fire-and-brimstone fundamentalist preacher. Those guys have messed up the minds of more people! Makes me angry.

One huge advantage Brunson and many other pastors have going for them, is the fact that many in the pews TRULY BELIEVE that the pastors are anointed men of God. So they are afraid to even dare to think about criticizing them, much less getting rid of them. To me, it's like if they were the son of The Godfather-you know if you do something they don't like, there WILL be hell to pay.

It's all about fear-always has been.

I truly can't fathom thinking that you are specially chosen by God personally to do your job and people must not criticize you. Imagine if you criticized me, and I said, "Hey! You better not go there. I'm a very special person. God's not gonna like it that you said that!"

I just saw the martyr role comment. I agree with it. But surely it must get old and not be that fun to play that role. I know many of us mothers have tried that card once in awhile, but it gets old and ridiculous quickly, and we move on! ha.

As I'm sitting here writing this Mac Brunson is on TV at 8:00. Mac is preaching from Job and Mac just said if someone says something bad about you don't talk bad about that person in church or talk about it on the internet, but go to that person and talk to the person that has been talking about you. I think for the first time in First Baptist we have a preacher who stands in the pulpit and tells the people what "THEY" need to do, but not what "MAC" should have done. It's no wonder people are leaving the church. We have a hypocrite in the pulpit who has the "DO as I say, not as I do" mentality. What did we as members of First Baptist do to deserve this kind of preacher who constantly scolds us for doing what he does. If only Mac would be like our previous Pastors and live the life he(Mac) preaches from the pulpit.

November 20, 2011 8:30 AM

Anonymous said... Anon 8:30 am

Well said - I agree Brunson is a hypocrite - he preaches what others should do, but feels he himself is exempt from doing the same thing. I too watched the 8am service and thought the same thing.

November 20, 2011 11:56 AM

Question: Why are you listening to a pastor you don't respect? Are you listening because you want to find something hypocritical link in his message? Are you like the DAWG who is focused over Mac's (watch out for those Pen camera's that the DAWG reported) existence and every move? Why are you not moving on and finding a church where you can worship and be apart of the Body of Christ?

I realize this isn't exactly the word you chose, Louis, but Tebow isn't being "persecuted." Like most public figures he's handling criticism in stride (unlike a lot of megachurch pastors), AND he's being extremely well compensated for being in that "pressure cooker." If I had his abilities and was willing to sacrifice my body and someone was willing to pay me that kind of money I'd accept criticism gracefully, too. And then I'd laugh all the way to the bank!

Tebow has chosen a profession that, unless he's very lucky, will break his body down in a few short years and make him physically old before his time. It has also made him a millionaire several times over. So is the fame and fortune worth living in a fishbowl and the wear and tear on his body? Apparently he and a few hundred other men think so, although IMO not a single one of them is worth the obscene salaries their agents command for them. Nobody's that important.

Unless you know him personally I don't think he's any more deserving of prayers than the missionaries in the field (where there's often real danger and persecution) or your everyday unknown Joe and Jane ministering in the trenches. Tebow is leading a very privileged and blessed life which I'm sure he'd be the first to tell you. Living in the "pressure cooker" is just part of the price. The thing is, I don't see Tebow himself complaining about being under pressure. It's all the armchair quarterbacks out there who seem to perceive that he's under pressure. He looks pretty happy to me as well he should be.

The day will come when Tebow's faith will have little to do with his playing or not playing in the NFL, if it does even now. He has abilities that suit him for the present time and his current team. I hope I live long enough to see his faith contributions after the fame of the NFL. He will then have the time, resources, and deeper maturity to make an even greater impact for the gospel. I have to believe his NFL experience is a stepping stone for the greater things God has for him, and I sense that he believes this also.

Blergh. Tim Tebow needs to learn some humility. He rubs people the wrong way because he comes across as quite holier than thou. He can start by reading Matthew 6:5: "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."

Tebow would do better to retire the praying act to his closet, like Jesus said. Otherwise, his reward is going to be the verbal brickbats thrown at him because he is not merely a Christian, but an obnoxious Christian.

About Me

We're small, insignificant, and harmless. But we have a loud, piercing bark that seems to annoy those in mega churches the most. Not Kool-Aid drinkers, only fresh, filtered water, please; with Grape or Cherry flavoring from Walmart. "Let him alone; God hath bidden him to speak:"